Director: Dr. Michael Liebschner

Dr. Liebschner is the head of Rice's Computational and Experimental Biomechanics Laboratory. His research interests lie in computational and experimental methods for biomechanical research. In an interdisciplinary effort, he and his laboratory is developing minimally invasive surgical techniques for treating osteoporitic fractures and for preventive treatment of low-density vertebrae in individuals who have not yet fractured a vertebra. He is studying a series of anatomically accurate finite element models, which will describe the fundamental biomechanical principles of vertebral repair and reinforcement and ultimately help determine the best strategies for strengthening vertebrae. Subsequent biomechanical validation will substantiate the computer predictions, and collaborative efforts with the Texas Medical Center will ensure clinical implementation

Research Interests:

Research interests of the lab also include the relationship between bone tissue microarchitecture and mechanical usage. It is unknown what stimulus initiates the signaling processes that make osteoblasts form bone and osteoclasts resorb bone. It is thought that this must be related to a mechanical stress or strain stimulus. This knowledge is important in tissue engineering, which often uses porous scaffolds both as three-dimensional templates and to provide the necessary support for cells to attach, proliferate, and maintain their differentiated function. Scaffold architecture defines the ultimate shape of the newly grown tissue. Liebschner's lab is applying a combinatory approach of growing engineered tissue on scaffolds and characterizing the tissue growth based on the mechanical environment using finite element analysis. It is hoped that optimizing the bone properties will lead to new tools for scaffold design and to major breakthroughs in tissue engineering.

Expertise:

• Computer-Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery.
• Virtual Simulation of Injury Mechanism and Surgical Procedures.
• Computer-Aided Tissue Engineering.
• Bio-Robotics and Biomechanical Testing.
• Biomechanical Efficacy of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty.
• Body-Area Networks.
• Body Vibration for Diagnostics and Treatments.

Important Note:

Dr. Liebschner has expert knowledge in computer simulation and biomechanical evaluation for the optimization of surgical procedure and implant designs for treatment planning and surgical optimization. He has been highly efficient in coordinating the design and development process of implants and diagnostics with medical professionals and corporate partners. He is the co-founder of BioSonic, a medical device start-up interested in the development for new diagnostics for bone quality assessment. Dr. Liebschner has also served as expert witness due to his extensive expertise in medical devices.